[ZyXELo]

Howdy,

I came across an old (late 1970s) noname lens which seems to be an exact copy of this one except for the mount: Seikanon f3.5 28-80 Zoom MD - Matt's Classic Cameras
Any idea as to who the manufacturer might be? After much searching and browsing through multiple lens databases, my best guess would be Kobori, though I'm not positive.

Not a priority or anything, but it would be nice to know nevertheless!

Regards

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Last edited by ZyXELo; 04-05-2020 at 11:20 AM.

[Lowell Goudge]

Try this

SEIKANON Trademark of KITS CAMERAS, INC. Serial Number: 73408485 :: Trademarkia Trademarks

One of many store brands in the late 70’s and early 80’s

[pres589]

Best to just buy it and then give it a real workout, post some photos and reviews, and see what you think.

[ZyXELo]

Well, I might, but ideally would still have to ID the manufacturer for proper categorization. Perhaps I can unearth more info based on the trademark entry.

[pres589]

If it's cheap (for me, less than $30 or so for something like this lens) and there isn't much information out there, it's probably easiest to just buy it. If you don't like it, sell it and try to get most or more of your money back. I don't think there are a lot of 3rd party zooms that really impress with their image quality but there are hidden gems and this might be useful for some things, like having a close focus function which are useful on walks and happening into something interesting.

[UMC]

The Seikanon 28-80/3.5-4.5 apparently was made by Cimko (see some more info here: What do all the graduations and markings mean on lenses? - PentaxForums.com)

The lens is a "classic" early 80ies OEM lens, that was sold under many different brands:

Super Albinar MC 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm
MC Auto-Beroflex 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm
MC Cimko MT Series 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm
MC Cimko MT Series 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm (different rubber)
MC Fotomat Series-35 Auto Zoom 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm
MC Image Auto Zoom 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm
Super Paragon PMC Auto Zoom 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm
Auto Promaster Spectrum 7 MC 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm
MC Rokinon Auto Zoom f=28-80mm 1:3.5-4.5 Macro
MC Sakar Marco 1:3.5-4.5 28-80mm
MC Seikanon Auto Zoom 1:3.5-4.5 28-80mm
MC Seikanon Auto Zoom 1:3.5-4.5 28-80mm (different rubber)
Star-D Gold Line MC 1:3.5-4.5 f=28-80mm

There was a very similar 28-80/3.5-4.5 made by Sun Opitical, also sold under many names, but this one has a significantly different focusing scale.

[ZyXELo]

Talking about an obscure manufacturer! Don't think I would have discovered the connection on my own. Much obliged for the help, guys! If the lens ends up being anything worthwhile, I'll add a review to the database.

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Last edited by ZyXELo; 04-06-2020 at 11:44 PM.

[ZyXELo]

I've added a review. Not an outstanding lens or anything, but plenty serviceable and good enough to handle digital. Here's a 100% crop from a close focus shot at F4.5: https://abload.de/img/crop1yjhf.jpg
My copy seems to reach best center sharpness at F5.6, anything smaller only affects the corners.